Metal lath



Patented Mar. 23, 1926.

FRED CHRISTOPHER, OF LOWELL, ARIZONA.

METAL LATH.

Application mea July s,

To c/,ZZ whom t may concern.'

Be it known that I, FRED CHRISTOPHER, a citizen of the United States,iresiding at Lowell, in the county of Bisbee and State of Arizona, have invent-ed certain new and useful Improvements in a Metal Lath, ol' which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to an improved metal lath, such as is used for supporting a coat of plaster used for forming walls; in interior decoration for houses and the like.

Briciiy, the improved lath comprises a base or backing plate to be attached to the studding, together with an open net work of wires attached to the plaster receiving face to cause the plaster to adhere in an ef fective manner.

The principal object is to generally im prove upon structures of this class by providing one of comparative simplicity and durability which is easy to handle by a lather, one which serves to decidedly rein force the wall and to prevent eventual craclv ing of the plaster, and one which is inexpensive to both the manufacturer and the user.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and drawing. i

ln the accompanying drawing forming a part of this application and in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same:

Figure l is a top plan view of a lath constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2 is a central cross section through the same.

Referring to the drawing in detail, the reference character l designates the base or backing plate which is provided at spaced points with channel shaped portions 2. Each channel is divided into a plurality of sections by the provision of notches 3. Dis posed on the outer face of the base and spaced therefrom is the aforesaid network of wire. This comprises a plurality of vertical wires t having their' opposite ends bent to forni hooks 5. The vertical wires are connected together by horizontal wires 6, these horizontal wires being coiled about the vertical wire, as shown at 7. The horizontal wires are arranged to align with the aforesaid not-ches. Then retaining wires 8vare seated in the channels 2 and the end por: tions of the horizontal wires are passed-be: math these retaining Wires tlirilsi 1925. Serial No. 41,633.

the notches 3 as shown. The upper ends of the retaining wires are bent angularly as at 9, while the opposite ends of the horizontal wires are also bent in a similar manner as indicated `at 10. In this way all wires are retained in place, and the so-called net work is spaced from the surface of the backing as shown in Figure 2. This affords a space for accommodation of the plaster, and permits the plaster to cling to the wires in an obvious manner.

The laths are nailed or otherwise fastened to the studding in a suitable manner, and it is obviousthat when the plaster is spread, it is caused to cling to the network of wires and is well backed up by the backing plate. A smooth and solid reinforced wall will be the outcome of the use of a lath of this` kind. No doubt, persons skilled in the artto which the invention relates will be able to obtain a clear understanding of the saine and will appreciate the advantage of a structure of the type set forth. Therefore, a more lengthly description is thought unnecessary.

Minor changes coming within the field of invention claimed may be resorted to if desired.

Having thus described the invention, what I. claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is 1. A metal lath comprising a rigid metal backing plate provided with vertical longitudinally extending channels at spaced points, such channels having spaced openings formed therein, retaining wires seated in said channels and having portions ex posed by said openings, and an open work wire structure placed against the face of the backing plate and connected in position by said retaining wires.

'2. A metal lat-h comprising a backing plate provided with longitudinally extending channels, said channels being notched at longitudinally spaced points to provide sections` said sections being in alignment with each other, horizontal and vertical wires forming a net work, and retaining wires seated in said channels, the horizontal wires of said net work being connected with said retaining wires and extending through the notches in said channel, whereby to hold said net wiork in position onfthe plaster receiving face of said plate. y,

1n testimony whereof I atlix my signature. 

